How the Leopard Got His Claws

By Chinua Achebe, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator)

A dethroned leopard king fights to reclaim power from a cunning usurper.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings

40 pages

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Bookroo's summary

In a land where animals once lived in harmony, the wise Leopard King is overthrown by the cunning Dog, who seizes power with sharp teeth. As the Leopard returns with newfound strength, a battle for the throne ensues. This fable explores the corrupting nature of power and the quest for justice. Will the Leopard reclaim his rightful place, or will the Dog's reign continue? Chinua Achebe's tale, brought to life with vibrant illustrations, challenges readers to ponder the true cost of power taken by force.

From the publisher

“In this powerful illustrated fable for older picture book readers, Achebe, the celebrated Nigerian writer, offers a parable about how power corrupts.” – The New York Times Book Review In the beginning, all the animals lived as friends. Their leopard king was strong but gentle and wise. Only Dog had sharp teeth and lived as an outsider before attacking the leopard and taking over as king – until the angry leopard returned to regain his throne by force with his own threatening new claws. In a riveting fable for young readers about the potency and dangers of power taken by force, Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, author of Things Fall Apart, evokes his frequent themes of liberation and justice. Glowing with vibrant color, Mary GrandPré’s expressive and action-filled paintings bring the unforgettable tale to dramatic life.

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